It’s no surprise that there are walking trails in the Geist Reservoir area that provide resident nature lovers the opportunity to soak up surrounding beauty. But for some area neighbors, the panoramic view has gone through a surprising, and unwelcome, transformation.
Over the past year, a section of the Fall Creek Trail near the Geist dam has become the destination spot for some uninhibited visitors, and neighbors say there’s more than nature walks going on.
Sections of the trail that are on Indianapolis Waterworks property have become hot spots for fishermen and partiers alike, some of whom have camped overnight, left behind trash and debris, abused the area, burned campfires and participated in illegal activity, all in plain sight of neighbors.
Because the Department of Waterworks is owned by the City of Indianapolis, the trail is also under the jurisdiction of the Indianapolis Parks Department. However, the trail also serves the neighbors of Masthead, some of whom are forced to witness and experience the questionable activity firsthand, which has included nudity, abusive language, illegal substance abuse and unsanitary conditions.
Cheryl McLaughlin, Masthead resident, believes that the safety of neighbors and trail users is at stake. “I have seen people climbing the dam that may or may not know how to swim, and I’ve seen fires burning well past dusk. It’s definitely an issue of safety,” she says.
McLaughlin is part of a group of residents who initially presented their concerns to the Geist Harbor Property Association in August. “We made it clear that we would support a greenway trail concept,” explains McLaughlin. “We put much time and effort in coming up with an alternative route that would increase the safety of residents while maintaining a trail for hikers to enjoy,” she adds.
“We were promised a follow-up meeting in mid-October, but we have yet to see that happen,” McLaughlin adds. Because of the lack of response and the difficulty she sees in patrolling the area, McLaughlin sees two solutions: “Either close the trail, or create an alternate trail that does not abutt resident’s houses or allow unsupervised access.”
“This trail itself is beautiful,” says Ken Pendleton, Masthead resident who has been an advocate for the trail for several years. “It is a fantastic amenity,” he says.
“Unfortunately, people found the site before proper signage was in place, and so it got off on a bad foot,” says Pendleton. Pendleton adds that his wife has personally picked up the area in question, which has included raw chicken bait left behind by fishermen.
“It’s my understanding that the Parks Department expects some day to connect this trail to the upper Fall Creek Trail,” says Pendleton. “The goal is neighborhood connectivity, so that residents can burn calories, not carbon. In the near future, we’ll be connected to businesses at seventy-ninth street, which will be great for walkers, runners and bikers.”
Paula Freund, Public Information Officer for the Parks Department, agrees that the trail is an important part of a larger community. “It is a great conection to tie the Geist area with the rest of the trail,” she says.
“We don’t approve of the incidents in question, but we’ve increased the signage in the area, and we have increased IMPD patrols. We really do expect an entirely different experience with the trail next year,” Freund adds. Freund also said that Deputy Director Don Colvin has been involved with the trail process and will continue to be. “We are very aware of the concerns of the residents, and we will continue to work with the parties involved,” Freund says.
But for now, the future of the trail lies in the hands of Waterworks Executive Director Matthew Klein. Klein, who is also an environmental lawyer, appreciates the complicated situation and hopes to make the best decision for the people of Geist and Marion County.
“I have a great understanding and respect for greenways, and I am also sensitive about protecting our water,” says Klein, who has served on the Board of Directors of the Greenways Foundation, and is a previous member of the Greenway Development Committee.
“We need to fairly consider the concerns of the residents, both for and against the trail, as well as the needs and desires for the Parks Department. We also need to balance that with the needs of Waterworks as a provider of clean, safe drinking water to people of Indiana,” he adds. “None of us wants to see something bad happen on the trail and I worry about that. I want to protect people,” he says.
“My hope is that we soon have a great trail,” says Ginny Cain, City County Councillor for Marion County, District Five. Cain became involved in the trail issue after being asked by Pendleton to help. “Ken approached me when I was a brand new City County Councillor for the area, and Waterworks had notified the community that there would be some activity going on in the area,” explains Cain.
“With security concerns, Ken wanted to make sure there was still access to enjoy the view. Since the water company is owned by the city, I thought this would be a win-win for the community to have these two city departments work something out.”
Cain assisted in getting the parties involved talking with each other in order to start a dialogue. “I think at this point, the ideal would be that the trail is patrolled aggressively, and that the park rules are followed,” she says.
“For me it’s the patrolling part that’s tricky,” says Cain. “I am hoping we can reach a resolution that can satisfy neighbors and still allow for walkers and hikers to enjoy the scenery as intended. I see my role as being a facilitator to get the involved parties together to work toward a solution that is good for the City as well as the residents by the trail,” added Cain.
Klein, who expects to make a decision regarding the fate of the trail before the end of the year, invites residents to voice concerns or opinions by emailing him at mtk@indy.gov.
View bird’s eye view of area (click here)
